LDL is referenced as the "bad" cholesterol due to the damage it can cause the heart if the levels are too high. Apolipoprotein is the main protein in LDL cholesterol and its job is to measure the amount of the "bad" cholesterol in the blood. High levels could point to high cholesterol which could potentially lead to heart disease.

This test might be ordered if one has had the following:

a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia